Russ Ballard

Russ Ballard | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 10, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RENAISSANCE
• ASIN: B00000F1T2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #347,358 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars russ ballard, February 14, 2003

By 

patrick bell (sudbury, suffolk United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russ Ballard (Audio CD)

I remember this album from when I was a kid - and, although not underated amoung those in the biz, I still can't beleive RB is not a much more sucessfull recording artist. I particularly think that the four ballards (perhaps aptly) on this album are outstanding - and much prefer his heartfelt version of 'Miricles' to Colin Bluntstones - despite his vocal acrobatics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 1st solo release post Argent., May 22, 2009

By 

Joy Andis "Adastria" (Seattle, WA, and London area, UK) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Russ Ballard (Audio CD)

This album was realeased after Russ left Argent, and his stated goal was to creat an album that was different from anything he had done with Argent. This was indeed that! There are many lovely ballads on this album, marking Russ as one of the best songwriters around. I truly love "I Don't Believe in Miracles:, as performed by Colin Blunstone, but when I heard this version from Russ it quickly became my favourite.
Then "Fly Away" is really a catchy tune, with a great melody, and lyrics, a song to send you out on the sunbeams for sure:)
"Venus" is perhaps a personal favourite...

I am happy that these albums are getting re-issued, and this is a must have for anyone who is interested in truly great music.

4.0 out of 5 stars Russ Ballard creates an exceptional first solo album, August 3, 2011

By 

WTDK "If at first the idea is not absurd, the... (My Little Blue Window, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Russ Ballard (Audio CD)

Russ Ballard had been around the block a time or two before he joined Argent. He had been a member of The Roulettes, Unit 4+2 both of which scored hits in the 1960's. When he joined Argent he was a known quantity with an outstanding record as a singer/guitarist and songwriter.

With Argent Ballard had a couple of hit singles under his belt and decided when the band went in a more jazzy/prog rock direction to move out on his own.

His first solo album "Russ Ballard" reflects part of the sound that he brought to Argent and, although it lacks the jazzier elements that Rod Argent brought to bear in the band (along with drummer Bob Henrit and bassist Jim Rodford), "Russ Ballard" is a very strong solo effort. If it is more "Russ Ballad" than "Russ Ballard" with a heavier emphasis on ballads that's because Ballard was also an exceptional writer of ballads in addition to the rockers he contributed to Argent and other bands.

Opening with the rocker "She's A Hurricane" and continues with the 50's vibe of "Loose Women" featuring Mel Collins (King Crimson, Bad Company among other bands)providing his honking sax to compliment the song. "I Don't Believe in Miracles" is Ballard's version of the hit single he wrote for Colin Blunstone (of The Zombies)a great love song with beautiful strings arranged by John Barham ("All Things Must Pass"). "You Can Do Voodoo" continues the rocker vibe.

"Fly Away" opens side two one of the more interesting ballads on the second side. The rest of the songs aren't quite up to the opening second side opener or the closing ballad "Venus (Shine Your Light)".

The mastering on this CD reissue is good sounding although at times it sounds like it might be a vinyl drop to me. There aren't any remastering credits for the album.

The graphics for the CD appear to be scans of an original album and are a bit blurry for some and the lyrics are in fairly small print.

Recommended.